Amnesty Day

Meridian municipal judge, Dustin Markham, is keeping his promise to give individuals a fresh start. Amnesty day kicked off at 8. a.m. in the Meridian police department. Twin States News was there to get reactions.

Judge Markham is reducing fines, lifting warrants, and giving people a fresh start.

“We looked at our appearance rates. Some of the issues that we were hit with were because of COVID”, stated the judge. “In fact, a lot of people did not show up to court because of COVID or COVID-related issues, and because of that, they had the entrance of guilty. This gives them the opportunity to come in and handle their business and fix some of the issues they have.”

Twin States News had the opportunity to sit in on some of the hearings with Judge Markham and his team to witness him reduce fines up to $1000 and lift a misdemeanor warrant.

Twin States News spoke with some people who told us what today meant to them:

“He took $500 off my fine, could have been worse, could have had jail time”, explained Meridian citizen, Marcus Wilson. “So, I’m appreciative of that.”

“It feels good not to be looking over your shoulder for the police”, said another citizen.

Amanda Brown believes that Amnesty Day was a great opportunity for the community.

“It’s a wonderful thing, he is helping the city. People are coming to get their fines reduced like mine. I think it’s a good idea”, said Brown.

As Judge Markham evaluated everyone’s case, he only asked that the individual be consistent in maintaining the work they needed to do to stay in the clear.

“Is up to the citizens. At that point, the court has done and given them every opportunity they can to be consistent. Every opportunity to show the court that they accept responsibility and will find resolution in their fine”, explained Markham. If they are unable to do so, unable to keep their promise the court has worked with them to make; then we have to start handling them from a contempt standpoint by making them serve jail time, but Amnesty Day is an opportunity for them to get back right so they won’t have any further problems.”

Judge Markham says Amnesty Day could become annual, but it depends on how consistent people are with the chance he has given them today.